Part 44 (1/2)
Other details followed and there were views of other sorts and breeds of snakes, from the poisonous to the most harmless. The princ.i.p.al scene, however, had been the one showing the venom.
”Lights up!”
The operator threw the switch again, stopping the film and at the same time lighting the projection room. Kennedy stepped forward and turned to face us.
”There was this negative in the vaults.” He spoke rapidly. ”It bore a certain name on the film, as editor. Some one knew that proof of the possession of this knowledge of snakes might prove a powerful link in the chain against him. If that had been a positive instead of a negative, you would have recognized Doctor Nagoya's 'a.s.sistant.' There was a double motive in blowing that vault--to destroy the company and to protect himself. In fact, all the rest of the negative was destroyed. Only by chance I saved this piece--the very one that he wanted to destroy.”
Everyone waited breathlessly for Kennedy's next move. Suddenly Kennedy flushed. I could see that he became genuinely angry.
”In this room,” he exclaimed, ”there sits the most unscrupulous, cold-blooded, inhuman being I have ever known. Yet he maintains silence, believing still that he can defy the scientific evidence of his crimes. I have not yet mentioned, however, the real proof of his guilt.”
Kennedy picked up one of the little envelopes, one which contained a blood smear. ”During the explosion this morning a number of you were cut by falling gla.s.s. You will remember that I bound up your cuts, carefully cleansing each one and wiping away the blood. That gave me a sample of the blood of everyone but Miss Loring and Mr. s.h.i.+rley.
Subsequently, without their knowledge, I obtained a sample from each of them. Thus I have a specimen from everyone concerned, or possibly concerned in the murders.”
He glanced about, but even now there was no telltale revelation.
”I have a.n.a.lyzed these and one shows that the person from whom I obtained the sample has been inoculated with antivenin. The mark on the envelope is the same as the mark on the envelope containing the towel fibers, a double proof. Furthermore, I am prepared to show that it is the same blood as the blood upon the portiere.” He faced me. All at once his voice carried the sharpness of a whip. ”Walter, relieve Mackay at the door and take his weapon. Let no one out. Mackay, come here!”
An instant later the district attorney leaned over. He glanced at the mark indicated by Kennedy, then whispered a name. The next instant Kennedy rose. ”I thought so,” he muttered.
Raising his voice, he addressed all of us.